It's the Possibility. Not the Guarantee.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

I'm not much of a risk taker. And if ever I take a risk, it's always a calculated risk. I am now about to engage into something very big. Very costly. Mentally draining. Physically taxing. Emotionally exhausting. I'm counting on the fact that everything is possible. I know very much that should I triumph, the reward is priceless.

I'm nervous. 
Nervous in an excited kind of way.

And always hoping for the best.
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Patrimonio for Philippine Tennis

Friday, November 18, 2011

Not Alvin Patrimonio, of course. But very much related to him. I'm talking about Anna Clarice Patrimonio who  moves on to the semi-finals in women's tennis at the 26th SEA Games. I do not know anything about Anna Clarice except that she is the daughter of basketball superstar Alvin Patrimonio and haven't seen her play tennis before. I saw a retweet from Mico Halili that there is a live coverage of an ongoing match in tennis. Got curious. Haven't really seen a Filipina compete in tennis.

Anna Clarice Patrimonio, born November 25, 1993 won against Lavinia Tananta, born November 3, 1987 from the host country Indonesia with an impressive 6-4, 6-1. I do not know who will be her opponent in the Semis but I do wish she'll go all the way to the Finals.

I googled about Anna Clarice and found some information from the ITF Tennis website. She doesn't have a wikipedia entry yet compared to Tananta. Anyways, Anna Clarice started tennis at age 8. She plays right handed and a double handed backhand. Her favorite surface is hard and is coached by Karl Santamaria.  She's got an interesting career record. Current year Singles win-loss 18-6 and her career Singles record is 56-34.

I hope she improves her tennis dramatically so that soon our beloved Philippines will have our own version of Li Na, Azarenka, Kvitova, Wozniacki, Sharapova and Williams.
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My Nuffnang Story

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

My interest in blogging started way back 2004. It was a private blog back then and most of my entries are either about my musings or my rantings.
You can probably relate to what I'm talking about. My blog is like any other girl's blog. Full of stories, poems and quotes and stuff that I like.

Nothing really extraordinary that would make it standout from other bloggers.
Until one day, I decided to share my entries to whoever will accidentally bump into my site. I did not even put a counter because I'm afraid no one will notice.
Fortunately, some people find my blog interesting. Other girls could relate to my poems. Some love the food that I love. And some would like to go where I have been.
Fantastic isn't it? Especially if you can connect to total strangers and eventually become friends with them.
Newbie no more, I tried to find ways to reach out to more people and at least earn something from blogging. And then I noticed most of the blogs I visit have a banner that says
Ads by Nuffnang
Nuffnang what??
Googled it, and the rest is history in the making.

Since I joined Nuffnang, blogging became more fun and exciting.
Trickles of visitors no more. My counter keeps updating. I've only been a member for a week but I can already feel that soon enough, Nuffnang will make my blogging experience a lot more than just blogging.
Out there, I know a lot of bloggers like me would want to get more out of blogging.
Register to Nuffnang and before you know it,
You are one happy blogger like me.

And by the way, how does blog awards appeal to you?

Come 16 December 2011, 500 bloggers from around the Asia-Pacific region will flock to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011 in Putrajaya Marriott. The Awards aims to not only honour the region's best bloggers, but also to bring together blogger communities from across Asia-Pacific. The Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards is brought to you by Volkswagen Malaysia and Putrajaya Marriott.
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The Vince Lahorra Quartet

Monday, November 14, 2011


I was at SM Masinag last night with my husband. As we entered the mall, we heard beautiful jazz music played at the activity area. Had we known about the quartet show, we surely had arrived at an earlier time. 


I googled about the quartet upon arriving home and glad I found their site. The jazz ensemble is a young group. They will be celebrating their 3rd Anniversary next month. The ensemble members are Vince Lahorra on saxophone, Mel Santos on piano, Dave Harder on bass and Lawrence Nolan on drums.  

The gig last night was so great. Such talented performers. I just wished though SM provided chairs because the people had to endure two hours either standing or sitting on the floor. But even with such inconvenience, the wonderful musical treat was all worth it. I love all the songs they played. How I wish to hear them play my favorites -- Feels So Good by Chuck Mangione and Wave by Antonio Carlos Jobim.





I was able to record them playing Jose Mari Chan's Christmas In Our Hearts. I have piano sheets of most of the songs they played and I can't wait last night to go home and "jazz" them up.

You can hear them play at Rockwell Power Plant on November 18 and 25, 1130am to 230pm. Visit their website for updates on their gigs.

Contact Information:

Vince Lahorra
Mobile # 0915 641 2407
Email: vincelahorra@gmail.com
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Ayala Triangle Gardens

Sunday, November 13, 2011


Ayala Avenue + Makati Avenue + Paseo de Roxas = Ayala Triangle

The last time my shoes stepped on the grass of the Ayala Triangle was in 1997 while I was attending seminars at the head office of China Banking Corporation. Last night, my husband had a basketball match at the gym of Makati Stock Exchange. I have read about the developments made at the Triangle we decided to take a walk after the match. 


We couldn't help but marvel at the sight that greeted us. This used to be a boring lonely park. 


One of the attractions is the  strip of restaurants opened during the last quarter of 2010. I was surprised with the volume of people dining here last night. Restaurants at the strip are Amici, Cara Mia, Banapple, Bon Chon, CBD, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Golden Spoon, Kanin Club, MoMo Cafe, Omakase, Pho 24 and Wee Nam Kee. 


I really wanted a Tutta Carne from Amici but because it was dinner time, so many diners are already waiting in line outside.  C.B.D. is one of the few restaurants that has a lot of empty tables so we just went here for a quick meal. 


C.B.D. or Cheesesteaks, Burgers and Drinks by Tender Bob's has a relaxed atmosphere where you can simply enjoy your food. There are three LCD televisions on the wall and clocks with different time zones. I've read that the cheesesteaks are good.


I ordered  the Pure Beef Burger Steak. For the price of P175, I think there should be some sort of presentation. I can make this look better had I prepared this at home. I'm also disappointed with the burger steak. The texture is rubbery. Not the pure grilled beef patty I was expecting. Red Ribbon's Salisbury Steak is so much better! 


My husband's Teriyaki Burger looks better except that the tomato and the onions are mainly for presentation purposes. Also, it would have been better if they gave him an extra serving of teriyaki sauce instead of gravy.


The "Manila Special" is interesting. You can have rice instead of buns to go with your burger.


I really should have tried the burger or the cheesesteak. They look so yummy.  May be next time. If ever I'll convince myself to give C.B.D. a second chance. 


I had my picture taken with the giant tree for my background. I just think the tree will make me look thinner than I really am.


The streets of Makati Business District are festively adorned with lights. This is Makati Avenue at around 930pm. Traffic is not so bad.
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Let There Be Lights @ Ayala Triangle

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Alone On The Road

Saturday, November 12, 2011



if you ever bump into my muse on your journey,
please oh please tell my muse to come back to me.
the drought is making me insane.


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Johnny Rockets: The Home of the Dancing Servers

The first Johnny Rockets opened in Los Angeles on June 6, 1986. This year, Johnny Rockets  celebrates its 25th anniversary worldwide. My recently promoted sister  wants (was forced??) to treat us and so we decided to celebrate at  Johnny Rockets Eastwood.


I really had a hard time deciding what to order because I want to try almost everything. But since this is the home of the original burger, might as well try the burger on my first visit.


I chose the simplest of them all: The Original. My hamburger patty is made of 1/3 pound, 100% imported ground beef that was grilled only upon order.  The lettuce, tomatoes, chopped onions and pickles crunched as I bite. And here's a treat: refillable french fries!

Those who wants a healthier option may substitute the beef patty with 100% soy or turkey patty. Wheat bread for the bun is also available.


Kids are given a paper hat, crayons and an activity sheet. Since the food is prepared only upon order, expect to wait for 10-15 minutes. The adults can pass the time by watching the servers dance. I'm not sure if there is a specific interval between their performances or if they dance whenever someone plays a song from the jukebox.


I wasn't able to record their dance. I was really entertained with their performance but if you look at their faces, there is no enthusiasm. Or they were probably too tired already. I was wondering, a song will only cost you P1, and if indeed they dance to every song played on the jukebox... I'll understand why they could no longer smile.


My husband ordered St. Louis -- thick bacon, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, pickles and their "St Louis" sauce.  Thumb up means YUMMY!


Kid's meal for my 8 year old nephew. Their kid's meal I think is for a kid with a very big appetite. He chose the Kid's Mix and Match. This meal includes a mini hamburger,  mini hotdog sandwich and half plate of french fries! My sister's strawberry shake is the best strawberry shake ever!


I was no longer able to have my soda and french fries refilled. I don't even have any space in my stomach for dessert.


Verdict: Gastronomically Satisfied!

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Alone On The Road

Friday, November 11, 2011

if you ever bump into my muse on your journey,
please oh please tell my muse to come back to me.
the drought is making me insane.
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